817-261-3000
Founder of Cross Timbers ENT, Dr. James Leffingwell is a board-certified ENT specialist with more than 20 years of experience. After receiving his medical degree from the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine in Ohio, he moved to Texas to complete an internship in general surgery and a residency in otolaryngology at the University of Texas medical Brand at Galveston.
Dr. Leffingwell is board-certified in otolaryngology and completed post-graduate work in endoscopic sinus surgery. His career interests include endoscopic surgery, nasal reconstruction, and problems associated with sinus problems, including snoring and sleep disorders.
A native of Ohio, Leffingwell graduated with highest honors from Denison University in Granville, Ohio, in 1977.
Dr. Allis Cho graduated from the University of Texas at Austin in 2002 and attended medical school at UT Southwestern in Dallas. She then completed her otolaryngology residency at Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center in Shreveport. Although a native of Los Angeles, Dr. Cho decided to return to Texas to start her practice.
In addition to general otolaryngology, her specialty interests include otology, allergy and sinus disease, facial plastics, and laryngology. Dr. Cho is a member of the American Academy of Otolaryngology – Head & Neck Surgery and Texas Medical Association.
When not at work she enjoys reading, tennis, photography and traveling.
Luke Shellenberger, M.D., completed his otolaryngology-head and neck surgery residency at the University of Iowa, where he trained at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics and the Children’s Hospital of Iowa. He received the 2005 Alfreda Van Wart Award for clinical resident research, as well as the 2003 Resident Teaching Award. Prior to surgical residency training, Dr. Shellenberger obtained his M.D. from Baylor College of Medicine, where he was an Alpha Omega Alpha honors graduate and was the Exceptional Graduate in Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery for 2001.
A native of College Station, Dr. Shellenberger attended Baylor University, where he graduated Summa Cum Laude in 1997.
Dr. Shellenberger’s professional interests include pediatric and general otolaryngology, especially in the surgical treatment of hearing loss, head and neck and thyroid cancers, and facial reconstruction. He is active in several professional societies, including the American Academy of Otolaryngology, the Texas Medical Association, Board Certified in Sleep Medicine and the Tarrant County Medical Society. He has been invited to present papers at several national academy meetings and has published research articles in a number of national journals. His research interests include advances in the treatment of vocal cord paralysis and the management of pain after tonsillectomy.
Beyond his practice in Arlington, Mansfield, and Midlothian, Dr. Shellenberger enjoys spending time with his two daughters, Caroline, and Audrey and his son, Alex.
Dr. Jonathan Wu is a Board Certified Otolaryngologist. He treats both pediatric and adult patients. He has interests in all aspects of Otolaryngology including chronic ear infections, hearing loss, nasal congestion, recurring sinus infections, tonsil/throat issues, and thyroid/parathyroid disorders.
He graduated from the University of Texas at Austin in 2004. He received his medical degree from UT Southwestern Medical School in Dallas in 2008. After completing his residency in Otolaryngology at West Virginia University, he returned to the DFW area to start his practice.
Dr. Wu is a member of the Tarrant County Medical Society, Texas Medical Association, and the American Academy of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery.
He enjoys spending his free time with his wife and daughter. They are expecting their second daughter in March.
Dr. Ceisha Ukatu is a board-certified ENT surgeon dedicated to providing expert, patient-centered care for children, women, and families. Originally from Texas, she earned her medical degree from Emory University and completed her ENT residency at the University of Missouri. Known for her compassionate approach and personable style, Dr. Ukatu helps patients feel comfortable and supported throughout their care. She offers comprehensive diagnosis and treatment across the full ENT spectrum, with special interests in allergy management, hearing loss, and sleep disorders.
Outside of medicine, Dr. Ukatu enjoys spending time with her husband and daughter, playing tennis, traveling, and reading.
Jennifer Paris, PA-C, joined Cross Timbers in 2016. She works alongside Dr. Shellenberger taking care of both pediatric and adult patients. She received her Bachelors of Science in Cell and Molecular Biology from Louisiana Tech University in 2006. She completed her Masters of Physician Assistant Studies in 2009 from The University of North Texas, Health Science Center in Fort Worth.
Prior to joining us she worked for a cancer group in Radiation Oncology and then in Urgent/Family Care. She enjoys taking care of the whole person and loves seeing her patients come back improved after appropriate treatment.
In her free time Jennifer enjoys spending time with her husband and three kids. They especially love cruising and learning about other cultures. She enjoys running and has run several half and full marathons and is always reading something.
Angelina Payne, MMS, MPH, PA-C has worked in pediatric and adult ENT for over 7 years, with special training in diseases of the ear and hearing loss. She completed her Masters education as a Physician Assistant in 2017 at Nova Southeastern University, Florida. She also completed her Master of Public Health degree in epidemiology at the University of North Texas Health Science Center in 2010. Additionally, she has experience in general practice/urgent care and interventional radiology, and teaches health professions courses at Tarrant County Community College.
When not working, Angie enjoys mountain biking, hiking and traveling.
I’m a native Texan born and raised in Richardson. I earned a Masters degree in Speech and Hearing Science from Texas Tech University (Go Red Raiders!) and a Doctoral degree in Audiology from the University of Florida (Go Gators!). I’m a state licensed Audiologist and I’ve been providing hearing care for 30 years. I find the profession of Audiology rewarding because everyday I have the privilege of making a difference in the lives of others through the provision of hearing care, specifically in the areas of hearing loss prevention, detection, diagnosis, treatment and education.
I believe that a person’s connection to others and to the world is what matters most in life. Unfortunately, hearing loss weakens those connections. That’s why I strive, through the practice of Audiology, to help individuals connect, reconnect, and stay connected to the people and things that matter most to them.
My professional mission is to help you hear your very best so you may experience the joy of hearing wherever life takes you. If you want to prevent hearing loss, determine if you have a hearing loss, or want to improve your quality of life through better hearing, I welcome the opportunity to serve you.
When not providing hearing care, I enjoy spending time with my beloved wife and four children. A few of my favorite things include: early morning Bible quiet time and Sunday church service; watching and playing football and baseball; listening to music and building my record collection; reading and passing time in Barnes & Noble; watching classic movies; photography; bird watching; antique shopping; fellowship and coffee at Starbucks; cooking breakfast; and dining out.
Dr. Jessica DeLaRosa, Au.D., is a native Texan. She attended the University of Texas at Dallas where she earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology in 2009 and her Doctorate of Audiology in 2013. She completed her clinical externship at the Callier Center for Communications Disorders in Dallas, Texas. Dr. DeLaRosa holds a Texas Audiology license and is certified by the American Speech Language Hearing Association (Certificate of Clinical Competence).
Her areas of expertise include comprehensive diagnostic audiology and hearing aids, with a particular interest in osseointegrated devices and cochlear implants. She also has extensive experience in diagnostic testing for vestibular and balance disorders.
Outside of work, Dr. DeLaRosa’s life has been deeply shaped by her own experience with hearing loss and wearing hearing aids, as well as raising her deaf son – giving her not only a unique perspective but also a true passion for helping others on their hearing journey. She knows conversational sign language and loves finding ways to connect with people in every way possible. When she’s not in the clinic, Jessica enjoys spending time with her family, going on walks, or diving into a new crafting project. And if all else fails, a little retail therapy never hurts!